| Title: | 458 : At the Heart of Asia, speculation, symbolism and substance |
| Author/s: | Jivanta Schoettli |
| Abstract: | On December 4, 2016 the Sixth Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia- Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) was held in the north Indian city of Amritsar and attended by over 40 delegations, including Russia, China and the United States. The meeting was inaugurated by the President of Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and co-chaired by India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Afghanistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Salahuddin Rabbani. Formed in 2011 as a platform for Afghanistan, and its neighbours, to discuss regional cooperation to promote stability, peace and prosperity, the initiative now includes over 20 other nations and organizations 'supporting' the process. The participating countries include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates. |
| Date: | 9 December 2016 |
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| Title: | 457 : J. Jayalalitha—a Strong and Charismatic Leader |
| Author/s: | S. Narayan |
| Abstract: | The passing away of J. Jayalithaa, the charismatic Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu removes a major political leader from the Tamil Nadu scene. The AIADMK party would find it very hard to replace her to carry on the legacy of the founder MGR. Her courage in adversity, total command over the party and her empathy with the poor enabled her to succeed time after time. |
| Date: | 6 December 2016 |
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| Title: | 456 : Pakistan Appoints a New Army Chief |
| Author/s: | Shahid Javed Burki |
| Abstract: | There are good reasons why the appointment of a new Chief of the Army Staff in Pakistan has received so much media attention outside Pakistan. The country's location has given it a role that needs careful handling. This paper makes the case that the conduct of foreign affairs should be left to the elected representatives of the people. |
| Date: | 2 December 2016 |
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| Title: | 455 : The Japan-India Agreement: An Exceptional Civil Nuclear Pact |
| Author/s: | P S Suryanarayana |
| Abstract: | The Japan-India 'Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy', signed in Tokyo on 11 November 2016, shows that the two countries have sorted out the diplomatic complexity of Delhi's non-accession to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. However, even as this pact remains to be ratified by the Japanese Parliament, China's new activism inside the Nuclear Suppliers Group continues to pose a challenge to India. |
| Date: | 21 November 2016 |
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| Title: | 454 : UP’s Ruling Party a Divided House |
| Author/s: | Ronojoy Sen |
| Abstract: | India’s most populous State, Uttar Pradesh, is due to go to the polls in early 2017. But months before the elections, the State’s ruling party, the Samajwadi Party, has been riven apart by internal conflict, thereby denting its chances of returning to power. |
| Date: | 14 November 2016 |
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| Title: | 453 : India and New Zealand: Inching Forward, Gradually |
| Author/s: | Manjeet S Pardesi |
| Abstract: | While there are some important differences between India and New Zealand ' in their conceptualization of the Asian region and membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group ' closer political and economic links can help narrow these gaps. |
| Date: | 8 November 2016 |
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| Title: | 452 : India-Myanmar Relations – A Fine Balance |
| Author/s: | Jivanta Schoettli |
| Abstract: | On a recent four-day visit to India, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attended the eighth BIMSTEC Summit (The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and the first BRICS (grouping of Brazil Russia India South Africa)-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit, both of which took place in the Indian State of Goa. In addition she was accorded a State visit as State Counsellor, a post she assumed on 30 March 2016 following the landslide victory of her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), in November 2015. Aung San Suu Kyi's trip highlighted the geo-strategic importance of this relationship, connecting India to its near neighbourhood and beyond, to Southeast Asia. In their joint statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and State Counsellor Aung Sang Suu Kyi pronounced a shared interest in Myanmar's democratisation, economic and social development and strongly condemned the common scourge of terrorism. |
| Date: | 31 October 2016 |
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| Title: | 451 : Brexit and an Uncertain World: Some Implications for South Asia |
| Author/s: | Shahid Javed Burki |
| Abstract: | This paper continues the story the author began telling in his first paper on the subject of Brexit,1 the voters decision on June 23 to answer the question posed in a referendum whether the United Kingdom should stay in European Union which it joined in 1973. The voters opted to leave. A total severance of relations may not occur but the uncertainty created by the vote will have very negative consequences in finance and investment. |
| Date: | 27 October 2016 |
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| Title: | 450 : Secularism, Extremism and Counter-Terrorism in Bangladesh |
| Author/s: | Anish Mishra |
| Abstract: | Bangladesh has always taken tremendous pride in its secular tradition. Over the recent years, there has been a surge in extremist elements that does not subscribe to the founding ideals of Bangladesh. Since taking over from the caretaker government in 2009, the Awami League Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has mounted a massive onslaught against extremism and terrorism on its sacred Bengali soil. This paper seeks to explain the Bangladesh's counter terrorism model under three broad categories of education, legislation and enforcement. |
| Date: | 27 October 2016 |
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| Title: | 449 : Prime Minister Lee’s Visit to India: Bilateral Cooperation and State-Level Engagement |
| Author/s: | Rajeev Arumugam |
| Abstract: | Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s visit to India demonstrates the importance of bilateral cooperation. India-Singapore relations are enhanced by the city-state’s engagement with India’s sub-national States, but the overarching macroeconomic issues need to be addressed for enhanced cooperation. |
| Date: | 13 October 2016 |
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| Title: | 448 : India – Overhaul of the Budget Process |
| Author/s: | Duvvuri Subbarao |
| Abstract: | The Indian Government has taken three important decisions regarding the budget process: (i) to merge the railway budget with the main budget; (ii) to advance the budget presentation by a month from end February to end January; and (iii) to remove the distinction between plan and non-plan expenditures. Although not transformative, these three changes are positive developments, and together with the expected roll out of the goods and services tax (GST) starting next fiscal year, imply a significant overhaul of the budget process. This paper evaluates these changes |
| Date: | 26 September 2016 |
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| Title: | 447 : The Andhra Pradesh High Court Judgment on Amaravati Development |
| Author/s: | S Narayan |
| Abstract: | The judgement by a single Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in India on 12 September 2016, staying the development process of the Amaravati Capital Region in the reconstituted State (province), is likely to be seen as a political setback to the State Chief Minister as well as a dampener for investments by Singapore companies in India and more so in Andhra Pradesh.The High Court of Andhra Pradesh, by the order of a Single Judge on 12 September 2016, has ordered as follows: -Now, the present position today, after final arguments were heard on 8.9.2016, is that last date of submission of the bids by the interested applicants who have to make a counter challenge/proposal is 13.9.2016 i.e. tomorrow. -In the absence of data relating to the Revenue share/Commercial bid of the OPP, interested applicants, who under Sec. 2 (ss) of the Act to give their counter challenge, have no time for filing their counter challenge. Therefore the interested parties are prima facie handicapped. -A final decision on the issues raised in the case can be made only at the time of disposal of the main Writ Petitions. Since it is not possible to decide the merits of the main Writ Petitions in the short time available before 13.9.2016, the Court therefore considered whether the bids can be allowed to be opened on 16.9.2016, in the state of affairs mentioned above, or whether prudence, justice, public interest and interests of the State would be better served by granting a stay of further proceedings pending disposal of the main Writ Petition so that the defects can be rectified early |
| Date: | 19 September 2016 |
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| Title: | 446 : The New Jio Network – A Game Changer |
| Author/s: | S Narayan |
| Abstract: | There has been talk of the need for disruptive technologies and intelligent manufacturing solutions for India. The first of these attempts is the introduction of all-digital, IP-based services by Reliance Industries. It has tremendous opportunities to leverage economic growth, once it gets over the initial hurdles. |
| Date: | 2 September 2016 |
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| Title: | 445 : Terrorism in Balochistan: Shift towards Soft Targets? |
| Author/s: | Anish Mishra |
| Abstract: | A recent bomb blast in Quetta, capital city of Pakistan's Balochistan province, left over 70 dead and many others injured. It appears that the province's lawyers were on the radar of militant groups. This paper seeks to examine whether there is a shift under way towards soft targets. |
| Date: | 31 August 2016 |
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| Title: | 444 : India & RCEP: Will Flexibility on Tariffs Get Access in Services? |
| Author/s: | Amitendu Palit |
| Abstract: | India has shown flexibility in tariff concession offers at the latest round of talks at the sixteen-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). While this would hasten the RCEP talks, the agreement is unlikely to commit to aggressive liberalisation on trade in services due to a lack of shared interest among the members. India's gains from services can be more through new free trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand, and the upgrading of existing FTAs with Singapore, Japan, Korea and Malaysia - in all, with select RCEP members. |
| Date: | 12 August 2016 |
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| Title: | 443 : A New Leader in Pakistan’s Sindh Province |
| Author/s: | Anish Mishra |
| Abstract: | The top leadership of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has replaced its aged, loyalist Chief Minister in Sindh, Qaim Ali Shah, and appointed Murad Ali Shah. The new leader faces tough challenges in ushering good governance in this province. This paper explains the change of Sindh's Chief Minister and the tasks ahead for the PPP as well as the Sindh Government. |
| Date: | 10 August 2016 |
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| Title: | 442 : Tumultuous Telecom Times in India |
| Author/s: | Robin Jeffrey |
| Abstract: | India's turbulent telecommunications industry confronts three landmark issues that will change the nature of the business: the launch of a nationwide 4G network by Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio, a merger that is likely to hasten consolidation of the industry and huge auction of spectrum. |
| Date: | 10 August 2016 |
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| Title: | 441 : GST in India: Success comes with new challenges |
| Author/s: | Amitendu Palit |
| Abstract: | The Upper House of the Indian Parliament has passed the long-awaited Goods and Services Tax (GST) Constitutional Amendment Bill. This paves the way for the growth of a common market in India with uniform tax rates across the country for various goods and services. This paper discusses the economic implications of the GST. While discouraging tax evasion and removing inefficiencies in the current indirect tax system, the GST must be anti-inflationary and avoid dilution of efforts in moving towards a more progressive tax structure. |
| Date: | 5 August 2016 |
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| Title: | 440 : Two ‘Brexits’ – The First, 70 Years Ago |
| Author/s: | Shahid Javed Burki |
| Abstract: | The tale of two ‘Brexits’ – the first when imperial Britain retreated from the Indian sub-continent in 1947, and the second when the British electorate has now voted for London’s exit from the portals of the European Union – is replete with similarities and differences. The 2016 Brexit is proving to be as messy as the one from India in 1947. Britain left India divided into two parts. National disintegration may also follow the 2016 move, this time in the United Kingdom. Migration is another parallel. The 1947 Brexit generated a vast wave of migration involving as many as 14 million people; the UK’s move out of the EU now may also result in a migration wave, albeit not on the same scale. In 1947, Britain left the Indian subcontinent in a mess; this time the mess will be in Britain itself. |
| Date: | 8 July 2016 |
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| Title: | 439: Terror in Dhaka: Fundamentalism Spreads its Deadly Wings |
| Author/s: | Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury is Principal Research Fellow , ISAS |
| Abstract: | Theextremist attack at a Caf?® in Dhaka,Bangladesh, was an inflection point that raised terrorism in that country to a different paradigmatic level. The article analyses why, and examines a set of possible counteractions. |
| Date: | 4 July 2016 |
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| Title: | 438 : FDI in India’s Food Retail |
| Author/s: | Amitendu Palit, Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Trade and Economic Policy) at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The decision to announce 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in domestic food retail operations in India can have a significant impact in controlling food inflation. The government has taken a major political risk by allowing retail investment. The policy can attract new investments in India's food processing industry by encouraging both traditional and e-commerce global retailers like Wal-Mart and Amazon to invest more in food processing and marketing operations. |
| Date: | 28 June 2016 |
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| Title: | 437 : Brexit, Bangladesh, and a Tale of Time-Tested Ties |
| Author/s: | Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Principal Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The British are not generally prone to martyrdom. However, whenever they embraced it, their literature celebrated it. Take the charge of the Light Brigade, for instance. During the Crimean war in the nineteenth century, six hundred brave British cavalrymen rode themselves to self-destruction. That happened because a commander had issued an erroneous order. Alfred Lord Tennyson penned a paean of praise to that act of valour in a famous English poem. For that reason the unfortunate event has been indelibly etched in history. But the action itself was quite meaningless. It made no military or strategic sense. Likewise when the British voted to leave the European Union, the idea of self-destruction came to many minds. It did not, immediately, seem to make any political or economic sense. Someday, some will doubtlessly find reason in this decision, and like Tennyson with regard to that Crimean episode, praise it as an act of courage. But perhaps not quite yet. |
| Date: | 28 June 2016 |
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| Title: | 436 : A Glimpse of a ‘Strategic Handshake’: Towards a New Indo-US Partnership |
| Author/s: | P S Suryanarayana, Editor (Current Affairs) at ISAS |
| Abstract: | The latest decision of the United States to treat India as a “Major Defense Partner” is not surprising. This denouement was virtually anticipated, during the 15th Asia Security Summit, organised in Singapore by The International Institute for Strategic Studies in early-June 2016. Significantly, the new Indo-American entente will be a key factor in conceiving an Asia-Pacific (Indo-Pacific) security order, depending on how long the US-India „strategic and technological handshake‟ lasts. |
| Date: | 10 June 2016 |
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| Title: | 435 : Bangladesh Budget: Tentatively Ambitious |
| Author/s: | Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Principal Research Fellow at ISAS |
| Abstract: | The Bangladesh Finance Minister presented the budget proposals (2016-2017) in the Parliament on 2 June 2016. The paper seeks to provide an analysis of the contents against the backdrop of the prevalent political situation. |
| Date: | 7 June 2016 |
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| Title: | 434 : Shangri-La Dialogue 2016: A Challenge and an Opportunity for South Asia |
| Author/s: | Subrata Kumar Mitra, Director and Visiting Research Professor at ISAS |
| Abstract: | The Shangri-La Dialogue which assembles a critical mass of stakeholders and strategic thinkers from the Asia-Pacific can become an opportunity for the states of South Asia to showcase their specific issues and seek better understanding and enhanced cooperation. |
| Date: | 7 June 2016 |
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| Title: | 433 : Singapore-Sri Lanka Trade: A Brief Overview |
| Author/s: | Deeparghya Mukherjee, Visiting Research Fellow at ISAS |
| Abstract: | Singapore and Sri Lanka have had growing trade relations. This paper seeks to explain the growing trade relationship, and identifies the key sectors in Singapore-Sri Lanka trade relations. |
| Date: | 2 June 2016 |
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| Title: | 432 : The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: India’s New Safety Net for Farmers |
| Author/s: | Vinod Rai, Visiting Senior Research Fellow at ISAS |
| Abstract: | India's latest crop insurance scheme, announced by the Narendra Modi Government earlier this year, is designed to overcome the many problems encountered in the implementation of previous programmes. The use of technology to assess crop damage, and the recourse to some of the newly introduced mechanisms for curbing leakages in the flow of benefits, appear to have made this new scheme attractive to the farmers. |
| Date: | 1 June 2016 |
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| Title: | 431 : Defining the India-China Relationship : A Continuing Quest |
| Author/s: | P S Suryanarayana, Editor (Current Affairs) at ISAS |
| Abstract: | The latest state visit to China by India's President Pranab Mukherjee was not aimed at achieving a breakthrough on any of the issues between the two Asian neighbours. The main significance of this trip was to assess the relative importance of India and China to each other. Chinese President Xi Jinping wanted India to 'merge' its Look East policy with his own Belt-and-Road Initiative, while President Mukherjee sought 'new momentum' in the Sino-Indian engagement. |
| Date: | 31 May 2016 |
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| Title: | 430 : The Drone Drama and its Impact on Pak-US Relations |
| Author/s: | Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Principal Research Fellow at ISAS |
| Abstract: | The US drone attack that killed the Taliban leader in Balochistan led to an immediate souring of US-Pakistan relations. But if any broken fences are not mended soon, the Taliban, who already occupy one-third of Afghanistan and were able to swiftly choose their next Emir keeping their unity intact, would have the most to gain. |
| Date: | 27 May 2016 |
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| Title: | 429 : A Tale of the Troubled Taliban : Mullah Mansoor and his Men |
| Author/s: | Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury |
| Abstract: | The death of the Taliban leader Mullah Akhter Mansoor, in a recent American drone attack, may have some implications for the fighting capabilities of this terrorist organisation. Much will, however, depend on who succeeds him now. What is more certain is that the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan is not going to end anytime soon. |
| Date: | 25 May 2016 |
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| Title: | 428: Implications of an Indo-Iranian Initiative |
| Author/s: | Jivanta Schottli is Visiting Research Fellow at ISAS |
| Abstract: | It has been announced that India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Islamic Republic of Iran from 22 May 2016. Expectations are high that he will firm up the Chabahar Agreement, committing substantial Indian investment to develop the all-weather, deep-sea port for Iran. This would mark a culmination point in a project that has long been envisioned and planned. Chabahar could become a gateway linking Eurasia to the Indian Ocean littoral. |
| Date: | 20 May 2016 |
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| Title: | 427: West Bengal Elections: Trinamool Congress’ Rural Vote Blunts Opposition Alliance |
| Author/s: | Ronojoy Sen, Senior Research Fellow at ISAS |
| Abstract: | The six-phase elections in the eastern Indian State of West Bengal are over and the results will be declared on 19 May 2016. In the last three phases of polling, elections were held in districts which are Trinamool Congress (TMC) strongholds. The results for the final phase will determine if the TMC can retain power. |
| Date: | 17 May 2016 |
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| Title: | 426 : Tamil Nadu Polls: Populism and Political Reverberations |
| Author/s: | S Narayan |
| Abstract: | The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in 2016 are a multi-cornered contest. The main contestants are the All India Anna DMK (AIADMK) which is the ruling party in the State under the Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa (or Amma as she is called) and the Darvida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) which is the main opposition party under the leadership of Karunanidhi (Kalaignar). Ever since 1989, the DMK and the AIADMK have been alternating every election in ruling the State. There is very little of ideology left in the original Dravidian agenda that brought these forces to the fore some fifty years ago. Both parties have focused on populist programmes and freebies during their respective regimes, and in the run-up to the elections, are continuing to promise ever more free gifts. |
| Date: | 13 May 2016 |
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| Title: | 425 : Nepal: Unfolding Internal Political Contradictions |
| Author/s: | S D Muni |
| Abstract: | Nepal's averted regime crisis is a reflection of internal political turmoil. Nepali politics has been driven by imbalances in power-sharing arrangements and residual issues of political transition from an absolutist Monarchy to an inclusive, federal republic. Unless this transition is made structurally viable, political stability will elude Nepal. India which has played a significant role in this transition will continue to be affected by the spill-over of Nepal's internal turbulence. India's challenge is also becoming more formidable with the emergence of China as an assertive competitor for greater economic and strategic space in the sensitive Himalayan region. |
| Date: | 11 May 2016 |
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| Title: | 424 : Tempered Progress as US Defence Secretary Visits India |
| Author/s: | Jayant Singh is Research Assistant at ISAS |
| Abstract: | United Sates Secretary of Defence, Ashton Carter, concluded an in-principle agreement to sign a Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) with India during a three day bilateral visit. The US remains eager to sign two other "foundational agreements" with New Delhi in order to further harmonize the military relationship. India and the US made reference to the South China Sea and took the opportunity to reaffirm support for the India-U.S. Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region. |
| Date: | 4 May 2016 |
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| Title: | 423 : India’s Trade Negotiations: The Imperative of Flexibility |
| Author/s: | Amitendu Palit, Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Trade and Economic Policy) at ISAS |
| Abstract: | India continues to be labeled ‘obstructive’ in its ongoing trade negotiations such as the RCEP for refusing to eliminate tariffs in agricult ure, dairy and automobiles and insisting on easier access for its professionals in partner country markets. This paper highlights the futility of the approach and the risk of India’s isolation from the trade rule - making process. It urges flexibility in India’s negotiating posture includ ing bilateral discussions with key negotiating partners for resolving differences . |
| Date: | 4 May 2016 |
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| Title: | 422 : BCIM Corridor: Brightening Prospects of India’s Economic Engagement in South and Southeast Asia |
| Author/s: | Deeparghya Mukherjee is Visiting Research Fellow at ISAS |
| Abstract: | This paper focuses on the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) corridor as a crucial means to improving India’s trade prospects and developing its North East. Highlighting the commodities mosttraded between India and the BCM countries, it makes a case for tapping the sectors of tourism, hospitality and local handicraft. The corridor may also help in tackling India’s urbanisation challenges. |
| Date: | 28 April 2016 |
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| Title: | 421 : China-India Talks: Markers for the ‘Marathon’ |
| Author/s: | P S Suryanarayana is the Editor (Current Affairs),ISAS |
| Abstract: | There has been no breakthrough in the on-going negotiations to resolve the long-simmering China-India boundary dispute. The Sino-Indian meetings in April 2016 have, nonetheless, resulted in a clarification of the way ahead for the first time since Mr Narendara Modi became India’s Prime Minister in 2014. |
| Date: | 28 April 2016 |
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| Title: | 420 : West Bengal Assembly Elections: Despite Setbacks Trinamool Congress has the Edge |
| Author/s: | Ronojoy Sen is a Senior Research Fellow ,ISAS |
| Abstract: | Three phases of the six-phase Assembly elections in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal are over. The ruling Trinamool Congress is still the favourite to retain power, but it faces a tough contest thanks to corruption allegations and a flyover disaster, which occurred just before the State went to the polls. |
| Date: | 22 April 2016 |
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| Title: | 419 : Bangladesh: Not in crisis, but at cross roads? |
| Author/s: | Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury |
| Abstract: | Bangladesh has long had a tradition of religious tolerance. Recently, however, it has experienced some incidents of extremist violence reflecting the possibilities of radical change in the evolutionary trajectory unless the trend is recognized, challenged and stopped. The essay analyses some possible antidotes. Iftekhar |
| Date: | 12 April 2016 |
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| Title: | 418 : Assam Assembly Elections: BJP has the momentum |
| Author/s: | Ronojoy Sen |
| Abstract: | Assembly elections in India's north-eastern State of Assam were conducted in two phases on April 4 and 11 with the results scheduled to be announced on May 19. The indications are that BJP and its allies are better placed than the incumbent Congress to form the next government in Assam. |
| Date: | 12 April 2016 |
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| Title: | 417 : The Security of Nuclear Weapons Challenges for South Asia and the Muslim World |
| Author/s: | Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury is Principal Research Fellow ,ISAS |
| Abstract: | The apprehensions that nuclear weaponry might fall into undesirable hands are growing. President Barack Obama of the United States has given leadership in bringing the issue to the fore in the just-concluded Washington conference. With the forthcoming changes in the US Administration, greater responsibility will devolve on to the international community in this regard. The imminent Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Turkey should take up the cudgels in this matter in real earnest. This would bring credit to the leaders of the Islamic world in their countries, and beyond. |
| Date: | 8 April 2016 |
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| Title: | 416 : Make in India – Why It Will Succeed |
| Author/s: | Girija Pande is a Member of the Management Board of the Institute of South Asian Studies |
| Abstract: | Despite the continuing mixed signals about the ease of doing business in India, the author believes that the country will make it to the top echelons of manufacturing hubs in the world. |
| Date: | 5 April 2016 |
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| Title: | 415 : The Final Nuclear Security Summit: Some Implications for South Asia |
| Author/s: | Shahid Javed Burki is Visiting Senior Research Fellow , ISAS |
| Abstract: | While US President Barack Obama's final Nuclear Security Summit has not broken any new ground, the absence of Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif helped turn the spotlight on the dangers of deploying tactical nuclear weapons, a move that Islamabad is keen on. |
| Date: | 5 April 2016 |
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| Title: | 414 : Korea’s Efforts to Enhance Economic Partnership with India |
| Author/s: | Sojin Shin is Visiting Research Fellow ,ISAS |
| Abstract: | While South Korea has already established a conspicuous market presence in India, the two sides, now looking for ways to enhance their economic partnership, should focus on not only business-to-business and government-to-government ties but also explore avenues of interaction at the sub-national levels. |
| Date: | 29 March 2016 |
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| Title: | 413 : Boosting Confidence in India’s Economy: A Regulator for the Real Estate Sector |
| Author/s: | Vinod Rai is Visiting Senior Research Fellow , ISAS |
| Abstract: | An orderly revival of India's real estate sector, in respect of the flow of funds and consumer confidence, will go a long way in boosting confidence in the country's overall economy. |
| Date: | 29 March 2016 |
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| Title: | 412 : Outlook for India’s Economy 2016 |
| Author/s: | S Narayan is Visiting Senior Research Fellow , ISAS |
| Abstract: | The paper outlines the positives and concerns on the macro-economic front in India in the light of the Central Government's recent Budget for 2016-2017. |
| Date: | 29 March 2016 |
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| Title: | 411 : Killings in Lahore: Will Condemnation Suffice? |
| Author/s: | Shahid Javed Burki is Visiting Senior Research Fellow , ISAS |
| Abstract: | The terrorist attack in Lahore raises some vital questions for the state and society in Pakistan. Beyond the denunciation of suicide-bombings as "cowardly" acts, one must look at the 'grand' designs of using the human body as a weapon. |
| Date: | 29 March 2016 |
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| Title: | 410 : Mayhem in Lahore: A Wake-Up Call for Pakistan |
| Author/s: | Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury is Principal Research Fellow , ISAS |
| Abstract: | The terrorist strike at Lahore on Easter Day provides some important lessons in the form of a fusion of civil and military objectives in Pakistan as well as an imperative for distancing between the authorities and the extremists, besides the need to reinforce regional anti-terror cooperation. |
| Date: | 29 March 2016 |
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| Title: | 409: India Budget 2016: Old Economics, New Politics |
| Author/s: | Amitendu Palit,Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Trade and Economic Policy),ISAS |
| Abstract: | India's latest Budget focuses on the rural sector and the economically vulnerable sections and makes large allocations for agriculture and social sector programmes without compromising on fiscal discipline. It also shows the intention of the Narendra Modi Government to acquire a pro-farmer and poor-friendly image by deploying politically powerful economic tools like rural employment guarantee and direct transfer of subsidies. These measures, initially employed by the previous Congress administrations, are now being used by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for securing political capital. |
| Date: | 1 March 2016 |
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| Title: | 408 : Track-Two Dialogue in the India-Pakistan Context |
| Author/s: | Samir Ahmad , Assistant Professor (Contractual) ,Department of Politics & Governance,Central University of Kashmir in Srinagar (India) |
| Abstract: | Despite the limitations and constraints within which Track-Two dialogue operates, it has been an important medium to explore new policy options between India and Pakistan. It has acted as a platform upon which to have discussions about many contentious issues such as Kashmir's political dispensation, demilitarisation of the Siachen glacier, and cross-border terrorism. |
| Date: | 23 February 2016 |
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| Title: | 407 : Lessons from the Story of a Forgotten Story |
| Author/s: | Vinod Rai,Visiting Senior Research Fellow ,ISAS |
| Abstract: | The author calls for proper norms of public discourse in India on sensitive matters, in the context of a recent reported comment on an old issue of alleged deficit of trust between the army chief and the government in 2012. |
| Date: | 23 February 2016 |
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| Title: | 406 : India’s GDP Growth: Confusion Amidst Cheers |
| Author/s: | Amitendu Palit , Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Trade and Economic Policy) at ISAS |
| Abstract: | India’s latest GDP numbers project 7.6% growth for its economy in 2015-16. But there continues to be confusion over the quality of India’s economic performance as the statistically robust GDP estimates are at variance with some other economic indicators. The paper, while reflecting on the variations and sources of GDP growth, argues private consumption cannot sustain high growth without pick-up in investment and broad-based turnaround in manufacturing. |
| Date: | 15 February 2016 |
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| Title: | 405 : The Rafale Saga: Indian Air Force’s Never-Ending Wait for a Medium Multi-Role Combat Jet |
| Author/s: | Jayant Singh , Research Assistant at ISAS |
| Abstract: | The visit to India by the President of France in January 2016 culminated in an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) pertaining to the delivery of 36 Rafale jets in flyaway condition. An IGA is essentially a high-level expression of intent. Indeed, the issues that held the deal up following India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier announcement in Paris in this regard – and even before that – still persist. |
| Date: | 5 February 2016 |
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| Title: | 404 : Arunachal Pradesh Deadlock: A Sign of Institutional Crisis |
| Author/s: | Ronojoy Sen, Senior Research Fellow at ISAS |
| Abstract: | The imposition of President's Rule in the north-eastern State of Arunachal Pradesh has been challenged in court. The situation in Arunachal raises troubling questions about India's federalism and the office of State Governors.India's President Pranab Mukherjee's approval on 26 January 2016 of the Union Cabinet's recommendation to impose President's Rule in the north-eastern State of Arunachal Pradesh, whose borders with China are a matter of dispute, has ignited a constitutional debate. |
| Date: | 5 February 2016 |
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| Title: | 403 : An Analysis of Bangladesh Today: A Prognosis of its Polity |
| Author/s: | Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Principal Research Fellow at ISAS |
| Abstract: | The paper, written in the context of the recent deportation of 27 Bangladeshi workers from Singapore, argues that what is required is a united front, a closing of ranks of the disparate political and other forces in Bangladesh to prevent the outbreak of violent extremism that would threaten the societal fabric.In his play 'Othello', Act 2, the English bard William Shakespeare, or rather his character Iago says of 'reputation', that 'it is an idle and most false imposition, oft got without merit and lost without deserving'. His interlocutor in this case was Cassio, an individual. |
| Date: | 3 February 2016 |
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| Title: | 402 : Voluntary Compliance: Better Governance with Lesser Government |
| Author/s: | Vinod Rai , Visiting Senior Research Fellow at ISAS |
| Abstract: | Analysed from various perspectives, the success of a recent experiment of regulating car traffic on the streets of India's capital city of Delhi 'in order to control air pollution' shows the possible benefits of minimum 'government' for maximum governance. |
| Date: | 29 January 2016 |
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| Title: | 401 : Chief Minister Sayeed’s Death could upset Jammu and Kashmir’s Stability |
| Author/s: | Ronojoy Sen, Senior Research Fellow at ISAS |
| Abstract: | The death of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has thrown into doubt the stability of the government in this strategically located Indian State. Sayeed’s death has brought into sharp focus not only the calculations of local leaders, including Sayeed’s daughter Mehbooba Mufti, but also the political stakes of the Centre |
| Date: | 15 January 2016 |
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